Former Dynamo Moscow head coach Andrey Kobelev believes the progress of Arsen Zakharyan, a talented midfielder for the blue-and-white club, will not slow down even after the pause in his potential move to Chelsea in London. Kobelev’s assessment centers on the idea that Zakharyan is at a critical stage in his development. While the full details of the transfer saga are not public, the veteran coach notes that there could be a pending contract or other contractual formalities still playing out. The simple fact remains: Arsene was not released by Dynamo before year-end, which keeps the door open for continued competition at a high level for the youngster. Kobelev also cautions that Zakharyan should not be lulled into quiet confidence; he needs regular playing time to sharpen his skills and to continue growing as a player. The former coach does not see any reason for Zakharyan to reduce his intensity, especially now when every match is watched more closely by scouts and coaches seeking peak performances. In Kobelev’s view, the midfielder’s trajectory is upward, and the interruption of the transfer should not dampen his ambition or momentum. The overall takeaway is clear: Zakharyan’s drive and visibility are likely to keep him under rigorous scrutiny, which can only aid his development rather than hinder it.
Earlier reports indicated that Chelsea had shown a strong willingness to activate the release clause and acquire the 19-year-old Russian international, with Dynamo standing to receive a compensation figure of around 15 million euros. This sum was embedded in the player’s contract as a transfer fee option for European clubs. Yet complications with payment arrangements disrupted the planned purchase, halting the move at a crucial moment. The situation highlights how transfer dynamics can pivot on financial logistics as much as on sporting readiness. For Zakharyan, the pause means more time on the field at Dynamo and more opportunities to demonstrate consistency, maturity, and versatility across different tactical setups. It also underlines the reality that negotiations can reach a standstill even when a club expresses clear interest, underscoring the importance of timing and financial structure in modern football.
So far this season, the midfielder has appeared in six matches for Dynamo, contributing a goal and two assists. These numbers reflect a player who can influence the outcome of games and who has the capacity to operate effectively in various positions and formations. The data points suggest not only technical quality but also the mental adaptability necessary to navigate the pressures of top-flight football in Russia while attracting attention from clubs abroad. The interruption in the transfer saga does not erase the progress already made, and it may even serve as a motivational push to refine finishing, decision-making, and movement off the ball. The longer-term implications point toward a potential return to negotiations once the financial terms can be settled, or perhaps a different European interest emerging as the market evolves through the current season.
Former football player Alexei Safonov offers a practical perspective on why Zakharyan should not be upset about the interrupted Chelsea move. Safonov emphasizes that career development is a marathon, not a sprint. A pause in one deal can be redirected into advantageous exposure with Dynamo, where consistent minutes and leadership opportunities can accelerate growth. Safonov notes that staying grounded helps a young player adapt to the rigors of professional football, including intense press scrutiny, media fatigue, and the evolving demands of tactical systems. In essence, the interruption is not a setback but a chance to deepen experience, refine technique, and demonstrate resilience that scouts and coaches value highly. Safonov’s view aligns with the broader trend of players using transitional periods to sharpen competitive edge, learn new roles, and prove they can adapt when moved to a higher level of competition in major European leagues.